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Treatment for knee effusion

Written by: Rebecca Boardman

Written on: February 04, 2019

Courtesy of http://z.about.com/d/teenhealth/1/0/p/-/-/-/swollen-knee-rockinfree.jpg

Knee effusion, also known as "water on the knee", is a condition in which the body reacts to injury or infection by causing fluid to rush to the area, causing painful swelling. Sometimes the swelling can become enormous, and immediate treatment is necessary.

More often, however, the swelling is nominal, and can often be treated with home remedies. This article will give you some options for treating knee effusion.

Swelling

Effusion is a gathering of fluid in the knee. This fluid is often the result of the body responding to an injury, such as a dislocation or trauma. The damaged tissue reacts with swelling and becomes more inflamed, causing the joint to swell. This can become quite dramatic and get large enough that the joint appears deformed and is unable to bend. The fluid is a combination of plasma, platelets and blood, and is often pale yellow in colour. If the joint becomes grossly swollen, medical treatment will become necessary.

Home Treatment

For mild swelling that is caused by injury or trauma, a home remedy will often suffice. The I.C.E. treatment--(I)ce, (C)ompress, and (E)levate--is often very effective. Get off the injured knee immediately, and apply a cold compress to the joint. This can be a bag of ice, or even a bag of frozen vegetables. Place a cloth over the knee and apply the ice to the joint. Prop the leg above hip level, and then wrap the ice onto the knee. Ice it for at least 20 minutes, and then apply a compression wrap to the knee and keep it elevated as much as possible. Maintain this regime for at least 24 hours, icing the joint every few hours, and see if the swelling is reduced. It is important not to strain the knee and allow it to fully recover, even after the swelling has been reduced.

Medical Treatment

Aspiration is usually the next step when a knee does not reduce on its own, or when the swelling is compromising the joint. This is done by a medical professional either at an emergency room or a doctor's office. The knee is sterilised and a large syringe with a bore needle is inserted into the space between the knee joint. The knee is then manipulated to extrude as much of the fluid as possible, and the fluid drained into the syringe. Often this fluid will be analysed to make sure there is no infection.

Corticosteroids

Another option that may be administered by a medical professional is the injection of a powerful corticosteroid into the freshly aspirated joint. This has the effect of reducing inflammation for long-term relief of swelling and stiffness. Results vary in patients, but most people will show significant reduction in swelling and pain, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Usually this is only used for patients who have an injury or other problem that needs to be addressed in order to provide long-term healing.

Rest

One of the simplest methods to help get water off the knee is to rest the joint. Whatever treatment is used to initially get the swelling down will be pointless if the injury is repeated or the joint is stressed before it has time to heal. Try to get weight off the knee as much as possible. Use a support brace or bandage when you need to walk or use the knee. Take care when turning or bending. Use common sense and avoid activities that could strain or twist the knee. By using this simple method, you can often reduce swelling in the knee joint.